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BMW of North America announced today that it is partnering with Green Mountain Energy Company to offer drivers of the BMW ActiveE the choice to support renewable energy for their cars.

The ActiveE drivers, known as “Electronauts,” in BMW’s own dialect, now have the opportunity to purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) from Green Mountain to cover the estimated electricity that will be used to charge their electric vehicles (EVs).

“The partnership with Green Mountain is BMW’s next step to procure a sustainable mobility future for our ActiveE Electronauts,” said Rob Healey, EV infrastructure manager at BMW of North America. “We want to ensure all ActiveE drivers have the opportunity to source their energy needs from renewable generation and this program is the perfect complement to BMW’s ActiveE solar offer. Based on their experience in renewable energy, Green Mountain is an ideal partner to support our mission.”

Dubbing itself the world’s most sustainable automotive company, BMW wants to offer through this partnership more than just an emissions-free electric vehicle; BMW wants to expand the horizon of what electric mobility means by providing ActiveE drivers with the resources to support clean energy with their cars.

The generation of electricity from non-renewable, fossil fuel sources, such as coal, is one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide (CO2), a primary greenhouse gas.

For a one-time payment of $48, ActiveE drivers can purchase renewable energy certificates (RECs) to ensure the estimated amount of electricity that will be used to charge their vehicle during the lease period is replaced with renewable energy. ActiveE drivers who power their vehicles with renewable energy for the estimated mileage usage will offset 9,900 pounds of CO2 during the course of their two year lease, the equivalent of not driving 11,000 miles in a conventional gas-powered car.

In addition to this opportunity to purchase RECs from Green Mountain, ActiveE drivers can take advantage of a separate BMW offer to further commit to a clean energy lifestyle.

As of May 2012, ActiveE drivers can install solar panels on their homes for a discount of approximately 35 percent. With this program, not only are customers receiving lower installation costs, but they are also capitalizing on the opportunity to power their homes – and their zero-emissions BMW ActiveEs – using clean, renewable solar energy.

That is so great, I am really proud of Green Mountain and their employees that are driven for success in the renewable energy industry. I am excited to have ties with my BMW and this new technology! Go Green Mountain!